Gun.



S. N. MQGLEAN.

GUN. APPLICATION FILED DEC. 26, 1900.

. Patented Aug. 30,1910.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.:

w/r/vsssa s. N. MUGL AN.

mm. 7 AYPLIGATION FILED DEC. 26, 1900.

Patented Au 30, 1910.-

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

[N l/EN TOR ments of such mechanism.

- parts to the end that its construction and to that of the recoil to check the recoil. The

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

SAMUEL N. MCCLEAN, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO.

GUN.

T 0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, SAMUEL N. MCOLEA'N, residing at Cleveland, Ohio, have made certain new and useful Improvements in Guns, of which the following is a specification.

My-invention relates to guns, and more particularly to guns in which the operation of the breech closure is accomplished by power due to the force of discharge, and in which the recoil of the on is opposed by the energy of the gases 0 discharge.

In my application filed Sept. 14-, 1900, Sr. No. 30,042, I have shown a means for opposing a recoil. part on a gun with a gas driven part and confining an elastic fluid medium between said parts, whereby the recoil of the gun is overcome by the energy of the of discharge; and in my applica tion filed Dec. 24, 1900, Sr. No. 40,963, I have shown means whereby the energy of recoil is opposed by that of the gases ofdischarge and a portion of their combined energics utilized to actuate a motor for operating the breech mechanism, which, in the particular instance shown in said last-men-' tioned application, consists of a screw threaded breech block and a carrier therefor.

. ()ne' object of the present invention is to simplify the means for opposing the energy of recoil with that of the gases of discharge and storing their combined energies to operate the breech mechanism; and a further object is to 'reduce the breech mechanism and its operating motor to the fewest number of operation may be simplified, its cost reduced and its reliability in action increased.

A furtherobject is to so combine the breech mechanism with the recoil-checking and power-storing devices that such mechanism shall control the action of the recoil devices so that the gun shall be partially returned to battery upon the opening 'move ments of the breech mechanism, and fully restored to battery upon the closing move With these objects in view the invention consists in a cylinder and piston playing therein, one of which is attached to and recoils with the gun and the other is actuated by the gases of discharge, an elastic fluid medium, such as .air, being compressed betweenone head of the cylinder and the piston when the gun is discharged, thereby op posing the energy of the gases of discharge Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed December 26. 1900.

Patented Aug. 30, 1 910. Serial No. 41,035.

elastic fluid mediumthus interposed be tween the gas driven and recoil actuated parts may be and preferably isunder suit able initial tension. During the recoil ac tion of the parts an elastic fluid medium, as air, is drawn into the cylinder bet een the piston and the other head of the cylinder, which is compressed during the first portion of the counter recoil, thereby serving to govern or check the violence of the counter recoil of the device, and at the same time compress the fluid medium thus drawn into the cylinder, thereby storing the combined. energies of the recoil and the gases of di$- charge to be utilized in operating the breech mechanism.

The invention further consists of breech block and a. breech block carrier so constructed and combined as to, themselves, constitute a motor for ope ating the breech mechanism for opening and closing the same. In the preferred embodiment of this part of the invent'oh, a screw threaded breech block has its portion, or a rearward extension thereof embraced by a cylindrical carrier, one of said parts being pro ided with a motor way or groove and the ir'her part with a wing or blade fitting in said way or groove. As herein illustrated the way or groove is arranged spirally on the interior of the 'arrier and the wing or blade is cured to the breech block and projects into s'aid'way, means also being provided for admitting motive fluid to the groove on one side of said wing or blade and venting it from the other, or vice versa. The motive fluid may be drawn from any suitable source of motive power and I have here shown .a combination of the recoil check device and the breech block motor mechanism whereby I am enabled to utilize the combined energies of the recoil and the gases of discharge to operate the breech mechanism, and at the same time.have the motor device of the breech mechanism act as a governing or controlling means for the recoil check, so that normally it is unable'to return the gun to battery till the breech block is closed. This I accomplish by utilizing the fluid compressed duringthe recoil as the power by which the fluid d awn into the cylinder during recoil is placed under tension and then employ this last-mentioned .uid as the motive fluid for thcln'cech mechanism, As this motive fluid drawn from t-herccoil cylinder to and through the motor the tension of that portion of the motive fluid remaining in the der under the influence of the air or other; fluid compressed during recoil. In this way I so combine the breech mechanism with the recoil check that the action of such mechan-- ism regulates the recoil device during a portion bf its movements, while the recoll device, on the other hand, not only furnishes the motive power for the breech mechanism, but also serves to maintain the pressure of the motive fluid at an approximately uniform tension. In addition to the operation of the breech mechanism the ressure is also employed to'operate the gun 1n training and laying the same.

The invention further consists in certain details" of improvement and construction of arts all ofwhich will be hereinafter more ully described.

My inventive idea may receive various mechanical expressions one of which I have shown in the accompanying drawings, which are to be regarded as illustrative only and not as defining the limits of the invention.

, In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1. shows a side elevation of a gun embodying my invention. Fi 2.- is a side elevation partly in section of the gas driven part and the cylinder actuated by the gun. Fig. 3. is a rear. end elevation of Fig. 2. Fig. 4. is a side elevation of the cradle for the gun. Fig. '5. is a rear end elevation; and Fig. 6. is a frontv elevation of Fig. 4:. Figs. 7 and 8. are detailed sectional views of the gas nozzle, and means for operating the valves therein. Fig. 9. is a rear end elevation of Fig. 7. Fig. 10. is a horizontal sectional view of the breechof the gun and the carlist with the breech block removed. Fig. 11. is a plan view of the same.

plan view of the breech end of the gun, the carrier and the block, showing the carrier as swung to one, side to openthe breech;-

Fig. 14:. is a plan view of the breech block removed from the gun. Fig. 15. is a rear elevation of Fig. 14. Fig. 16. is a central sectional view through the breech block and carrier showing the firing mechanism. Fig. 17 is a diagrammatic view showing the connections between the recoil cylinder and the cylinders for effecting the elevation and depression and traversing of the gun, and the valves which control such connections; and Fig. 18 is a diagrammatic view showing the connection between the recoil cylinder and the breech mechanism, together with the valve for controlling said conne ction.

Referring to the drawings, 1-, is a cradle pivoted at the forward end to any suitable supporting part of the gun carriage, which 'in the present instance is shown as an ordi- -"1s 'free .to reciprocate.

Fig. 12. is a rear elevation of Fig. 11. Fig. 13. is a nary field gun carriage. The cradle is provided with ways or grooves 2, engaging ribs 3, on the n, whereb the gun is permitted to slide on itudinal y within the cradle.

'4s is a cylin er' attached to the gun at the ,rear end, and in the present instance by means of a suitable band 5, shrunk on, or otherwise secured on the breech end of the gun and the cylinder while the forward end of the cylinder is suitably supported'and guided in the cradle -1- within which it I may, if desired provide the cradle with guide slots 6 and the cylinder with projecting lugs or parts -'-7 moving in said slots, though this is not necessary. The cylinder or sleeve -8- surrounds and isfree to slide longitudinally upon the forward portion of the gun, and 1s provided with a nozzle 9-' for receiving and controlling the gases of discharge, while the rear end of said cylinder is connected by a rod 10- to piston --1lfitting within the cylinder 4;-"" the rod being preferably jointed at -l2 and hinged to the cylinder 8 as shown. The gas nozzle -9 is screwed to and moves with the sleeve -8- and is provided with valves -l3- mounted therein so as to swing under the influence of the gases of discharge and close the forward opening of the nozzle said valves being-provided also with lugs -14 projecting laterally on each side thereof.

Mounted on a collar -15- surrounding and screwed to the muzzle end of the gun are two forwardly projecting arms or parts -16- provided with suitable cam surfaces 17- in thepath of the lugs 1 l-- on the valves -l3. The nozzle -9- is preferably in the form of an expanded chamber having vents and openings 18- upon the rear side thereof to permit a determined portion of the gases to escape therethrough, and being provided with an ex anded surface against which the gases of discharge impinge and act to force the nozzle -9 together with its attached sleeve 8-- and piston --11- forward upon the discharge of the gun. At the same time the recoil of the gun carriesthe cylinder '-4 rearward thereby compressing between the for- Ward head of the cylinder and piston -11 any suitable gas, preferably air confined in said cylinder. Upon the forward movementofthe gas nozzle the valves are moved forward so that the lugs 14.- on said valves are moved forward of the cams -17 attached to the muzzle of the barrel and -the force of the gases of discharge acting to turn said valves to their closed position,

gas in the cylinder the nozzle-"is moved rearward and the cams 17- engage with as shown in Fig 8, when however the gun the lugs 14 upon the valves toopen said valves for the passage of the roj ectile upon the subsequent discharge of the gun. A suitable form of iii-take valve l9- is provided on the rear end of the cylinder -'-4: and upon the forward movement of the piston in the cylinder, this valve opens and permits a supply of airto enter the cylinder at the rear end of the piston and upon the expansion of the air within the cylinder forward of the piston, them-take valve 19 is closed and the air thus confined between the piston 11 and the rear of the cylinder is compressed.

Referring now to Fig. 10- 20 is a screw threaded breech block chamber formed in the breech end of the gun and here 23- is hinged to turn on pin 24 which asses throu h a se ment sha ed 111 25- D b b rigidly fixed to the gun and provided with teeth 26- projecting radially therefrom as shown. The carrier 1s in the form of a cydinder closed at its rear end, and is pro- .vided with an inwardly projecting helical rib 27 on its interior surface, the pitch of the helix being identical with that of the screw threads in the chambers 20-21. The breech block -'28' as here shown is frusto-conical in shape and is preferably continuously screw threaded on that portion ,Q9 which enters the chamber 20 while immediately to the rear thereof it provided with an annular rearwardly projecting flange or collar 30- which has a worm gear on a portion of its perimeter, and a lug -32 formed to fit into the screw thread 22-- in chamber 21.' Projecting rearward from within the flange --30 and rigidly formed with the forward portion 29- is the cylindrical tail piece 33 having on its exterior surface a helical rib 3 l having'the same pitch as the helix -27 on the interior surface of the carrier 23 the width of the helical rib 3i,- being equal to the space between the turns of the helix -27-- though thcheight of said rib 34 is muchless than that of the helical rib 27 except atthe rear end of said rib 34 where it is provided with a lug or extension whose height exactly equals that of rib 27. I

The diameter of the cylindrical tail piece is the same as the internal diameterof the rib 27, is provided with ports 3" 38, through which fluid under pressure may be permitted 'to enter and to exhaust. (See Fig. 10). hen the breech block is in position in the breech the threads on the frusto-conical portion 29 engage the threads in. chamber 20, the lug enters into the female thread in the chamber 21, and the helical rib fits snugly between the turns of .the helix 2?, the lug entirely filling said space and forming fluid tight contact with the interior surface of the carrier and the flange- BQ extending over and closing the joint between the t'ront'end of the. carrier and breech block as shown in Fig. 16. \Vhcn it is desired to open the breech pressure is admitted through port to the spiral channel between the turns of helix .27 and this pressure acts on and forces the lug -35, to travel around said channel, thereby turning the block in. a direction to open the, breech, soi'ncthing less than two turns being suiiicicnt, to disconnect the threads on the block from those in the breech chamber and the lug -Z-32, from the thread -22 at which instant the worm 3l comes into engagement with the first tooth -26 on the segment '25 and the further rotation of the block operates to swing the car rier around said segment to the position shown in Fig. 18, where it may be caused to .in'ipinge upon any suitable stop to limit through one pipe and exhaust tl'lrough the other. The hand wheel -51 as shown in Fig. 13, is attached to the breech bolt as a means for o ')ei;'ating the bolt by hand.

For the purpose of elevating and depress ing the gun a piston rod 4-2 is hinged to the cradle at 43, and this rod is attachedto a piston playing in a-substantially ver-' tic-al cylinder 44 which is suspended between the sides of the trail' by engagement with a horizontal piston rod 44,the opposite ends of which are attached to-pistoiis playing in. cylinders 45 supported'on the trail. Pipes 46 lead from the upper and lower ends of cylinder 44-, and one of these pipes is-connected to the front end of the recoil cylinder and the other to the rear end of the recoil cylinder. A valve 48 con-. trols these pipes, and, here shown, said valve is a four-way one which can be.turned into register with said pipes to allow the of the gun.

pipes.

fluid to flow through the cylinder at in either direction. The reverse position of the valve is shown b dotted lines.

Cylinders at are 101" efiecting the traversing movementoit the gun, and each cylinder is provided with a pipe connection, one or said pipes leading to the front end of the recoilcylinder and the other of said pipes to the rear end oi the recoil cylinder. A valve ll, similar in construction to valve 48, controls said pipes for admitting pressure to said cylinders to effect the traversing As shown in Fig. 18, the recoil cylinder is constructed with a bypass for the fluid.

past the piston 11, and said piston, which is actuated by a spring has a slight overrun or additional travel to permit the force ct said spring to cause a slight additionalmovement of said piston,,whereby the fluid is caused to flow through the breech-ineclianisin or the elevating or traversing devices when the gun is at rest, and when either the valves ll, 48 or 41, are turned into register with their communicating In. Fig. 18 thevalve 41 is shown connected with the recoil cylinder at the rear end by pipe 39 and to the forward end ofthe re coilcylinder by pipe 40, and these pipes are connected with the breech-mechanism upon opposite sides of the abutment 35 against which the fluid acts in accomplishing the rotation of the breech-bolt.

The firing action comprises the spring pressed firing pin --4c9- and its retaining sear or trigger -'5O The firing pin is set of the air confined within the cylinder.

or coclred by the tcri'ninal locking movement of the breech-block, thus rendering it fun possible to discharge the arm in any other tblliankthe full locked position of the breech The operation of the cylinder -4- and of the recoil and the energy of the gases of discharge. It is also apparent that the movement of the piston -1lwill operate as a suction pump to draw in a motor fluid through the valve 19-- during the for ward niovelnel'it the piston. The counter recoil i'novei'nent of these parts will operate to close the valve l9- and the flow of the motor fluid into and through the breech energy of the gases or discharge to comeeaevs action will operate the same in the manner hereinbefore described. It is thus apparcut that the primary action of the parts controls the recoil of the an and utilizes the rose the air within the cylinder and to raw .a suitable lnotor fluid into the cylinder; and it is also apparent that these parts control the counter-recoil of the gun by 1 forcing "the motor fluid from the cylinder into and through both the breech action of the gun or when desired or required into and through the training and traversing device of the gun, thus allowing the passage. of the inotor fluid into and through the breech action to both operate the breech action and control the counter-recoil of the gun and the return of the gun to its battery position. by means of the flow of the motor fluid both into and out of the cylinder of the engine in the manner described.

The flow of the motor fluid into and through the breech action is automatically controlled by the valve lland cam 52-, the cam 52 engaging with the valve 41, to swing it into connection with the pipes 39 and t0 to govern the opening movements of the breech action. It is thus apparent that by means of the gas driven sleeve 8- the rod l0 the piston 11 and cylinder 4t- I convert the gun into a gas engine which utilizes, stores and transmits both the energy of the gas and the energy of the recoil for operating and handling the gun, and it is also apparent that by forming the breech block as a motor I attain an en ceedingly simple breech action comprising two elements, the breech block and its retaining tray or carrier.

Having thus described my invention I claim:

1. In a breech loading gun, the combination of a breech block and carrier co-acting as a motor to open and close the breech.

2. Inja breech loading gun, the colnbination of a breech block and carrier co-actin as a motor whereby the block is revolver, and worm gear connection between the block and a fixed part of the gun to swing the carrier.

tion of a carrier having a way or channel therein, a breech block having a w1ng'i"or.,-i part fitting 1n said channel, and means -ad.

mitting pressure to said channel on either 1 20 a carrier having a'way' or channel therein, a

wing or part on theblockfitting into said channel, and means admitting a motor fluid to said channel on either side of said wing or part. p p

5. The combination oi a. breech loading .115" I 8. In a breech loading gun, the conibina gun, ascrew threaded breech block with a warrier having a helical way or channel therein, a wing or part on the block fitting into said channel, and means admitting pressure to said channel.

6. The combination of a breech loading gun, and a breech block and a carrier therefor co-actin'g as a motor, with a recoil check, and pressure conveying connections between said recoil. check and motor.

7. The combination of. a breech loading gun, and a breech block and carrier'co-acting as a motor, with a recoil checlnieontrolled by said motor.

8. The combination of a breech loading gun, a breech block and a carrier with a recoil check controlled by said block and can rier.

9 The combination of a breech loading gun, a breech block and a carrier coacting as a motor, with means actuated by the gases of discharge to check the recoil and store the energy of said gases and recoil, and devices conveying said stored energy to said motor to perate, the breech block and car- It). The combination of a breech loading gun, a breech block and a carrier coacting as a motor, with a recoil check consisting of a part attached to the gun and an opposing partactuated by the gases of discharge, and means transmitting pressure therefrom to the block and carrier.

11. The combination of a breech loading gun, and a breech block and carrier co-acting as a motor, with a recoil cylinder attached to the. gun, a piston therein actuated by the discharge of gases and means transmitting pressure from said cylinder to said block and carrier.

12. The combination of a breech loading gun, a breech block and carrier co-acting as a motor, a recoil actuated part, a gas actuated part, means compressing a. fluid by the action of said parts, and means transmitting said compressed fluid to the block and carrier.

'13. The combination of a breech loading gun, a breech block and carrier co-acting as a motor, a pressure device resisting and storing the energy of recoil and means trans- .rnitting said stored energy to the said motor. r

14. The combination of a breech loading gun, a breech block and carrier co-acting as a motor, a cylinder attached to and 'recoiling with the gun, a piston in said cylinder actuated by the gasesof discharge, means admit-- ting and retaining air'in said cyluuler upon the recoil of the gun, whereby thegun is retained in its recoiled position, and a rent, for said cylinder through said motor, whereby the breechmechanism is operated and the movement of the --.-gun to battery is controlled.

. the breech. Blug.

15. In a breech-loading gun, the combinatron of a rotary breech block and a. carrier co-acting as a motor to open and close the breech.

16. In a breech-loading gun, the combination of a. rotary breech block and a carrier eoacting as a motor, and a Worm gear connection between the block and a fixed part of the gun to swing the carrier.

17. The combination of a breech loading an, and a rotary breech block and a carrier t 'herefor coact.ing as a motor, with a recoil check, and pressure conveying connections between said recoil check and motor.

18. The combination of a breech-loadinggun, and a rotary breech-block and a carrier co-acting as a motor, With a recoil check controlled by said motor.

19. The combination of a breech-loading gun, and a rotary breech block and a. carrier, with a recoil check controlled by said block and carrier.

20. The combination of a breech-loading gun, a rotary breech-block and a swinging carrier coacting as a motor, with a recoil check,- and pressure conveying connections between said recoil check and motor.

21. The combination of a breech-loading gun, a rotary breech-block and a swinging carrier coacting as a motor, with a recoil,- actuated part, a gas-actuated part, means confining an elastic fluid mediumbetween said parts, and connections vol'iveying said fluid medium to said motor.

22. The combination of a breech-loading gun, a rotary breech blocleand a swinging carrier coacting as a motor, a pressure device resisting and storing the energy oi rccoil, and means transmitting said stored energy to said n'lotor. -23. .In a breech loading gun, the combination with the gun, of a rotary swinging breech plug provided with means engaging the breech of the gun to lock and release the breech plug, and also provided with means engaging the ln'eech of the gun to positively effect the swinging movement of the breech 24. In 5 breech loading gun the combination with the gun, of a rotary swinging breech plug provided with means engaging the breech of the gun to look and release the breech plug, and also provided with a cam engagement With the breech positively effectthe swinging movement of the-breech plu 25. In a breech loading gun the combination with the gun, of a rotary swinging breech plug provided with means engaging the breech of the gun to lock andrelease the.

and also provided with a series the breech of the gun to swinging. movement; of

breech plug, ofeams engaging positively efl'ect the 26. In a reech of. the gun to loading gun the combinarelease the breech plug, and also provided with means en agin the breech of the gun to positively e ect tie swinging movement of the breech plug. J

28. In. a breechloading gun the combination with the gun, of a conlcal rotary swing.- ing breech plug provided with means engaging the, breech of the gun to lock and re lease the breech plug, and also provided with means engfagmg the breech of the gun to positively e ect the swinging movement of the breech plug.

.29. In a breech loading gun the combination with the gun, of a conical swinging breech plug rovided with means engaging the breech o the gun to lock and release the breech plug, and also provided with a cam engagement with the breeh of the gun to positively effect the swinging movement of the breech plug. In a reech loading gun the combina tion with the gun, of a conical rotary swing.

ing breech plug provided with means engaging the breech of the gun to. lock and release the breech plug, and also provided with a cam engagement with the breech of the gun to positively effect the swinging movement of the breech plug.

31. In a breech loading gun the combination with the 'un, of a conical rotary swinging breech pug provided with means e11- g'aging the reech of the gun to lock and release the breech plug, and also provided with a series of cams-engag ng the breech of the gun to positively efiect the swinginglnovement of the breech block.

32. In a breech loading gun, the combination of a conical rotary swinging breech plug provided withmeans enga ing the breech of the gun to lock and re ease the breech plug, and also provided with a series of cams engagingthe breech of the gun to positively'efi'ect the swinging movement of the breech plug. 1

33. In .a breech loading gun the combinationwith the gun, of a conical rotary swinging plug fprovided with means engaging the breech o breech plug and a plurality of cam engagements between the breech of the gun and the breech plug, 'whereby'the swinging movement of the breech pin is positively effected. 34-.'In"a"breech loa ing gun the combirla tion with thegumofa conical rotary swing is positively governed.

,of a conical rotary swinging brr the gun to lock and release. the

eeacve ing breech plug provided with means 011-. gaging the breech of the gun to lock and release the breech plug and also provided 'with a plurality of cam engagements with 36. In a breech loading gun the combina- 2 tion with the gun having a rack on its breech, of a rotary swinging breech plug provided with means engaging the breech 'of the gun to lock and release the breech plug, and also provided with a cam engage ment with the rack to positively etl ect the swinging movement or" the breech plug,

37 In a breech loading gun the combination-with the gun having a rack on its breech, of a rotary swinging breech plug provided with means engaging the breech. of the gun to lock and release the plug, and also provided with a serie of cams engaging the rack to positively ettect the swinging of the breech plug.

38. In a breech loading gun, the combination of the gun, a rotary swinging breech plug. provided with means en'ga ing the breech of the gun to lock and re ease plug, and. a plurality'of pin and. cam gagement-s between the plug and gun breech, whereby the swinging movement at. the plug 39. In a breech loading tion of the gun having a rack on gun the binabreech,

provided with means engaging ti of the gun to lock and release the breech plug, and also provided with. means engaging the rack to positively eflfect the swinging movement of the. breech plug.

40.,- In a breech loading gun the combination with the gun having a rack on its breech, of a conical rotary swinging breech plug provided with means engaging the 'breech of the gun to lock and release the breech plug, and also provided with means its engaging the rack-to pavadtively elfect the swinging movement of the breech plug.

41. In a breech loading gun the combination with the gun having a rack on its breech, of a' conical rotary swinging breech tion with the gun having a rack on its plug provided with means engaging thebreech ofthe gun to lockand release the breech, of a conical rotary swinging breech plug provided with means engaging the breech of the gun to lock and release the breech plug, and also provided with a cam engaging the rack to positively effect the swinging movement of-the breech plu 43. In a breech loading gun the combination with the gun having a rack on its breech, of a conical rotary swinging breech plug provided with means engaging the breech of the gun to lock and release the breech plug, and also provided with a cam engagement with'the rack to positively effect the swinging movement of-the breech plug.

4A. In a breech loading gun the combination with the gun having a rack on its breech, of a conical rotary swinging breech plug provided with means engaging the breech of the gun to lock and release the breech plug, and also provided with a flange of enlarged diameter provided with a cam engagement with the rack to positively effect the swinging movement of the breech plug.

45, In a breech loading gun the combination with the gun having a. rack on its breech, of a conical rotary swinging breech plug provided with means engaging the breech of the gun to lock and release the breech plug, and also provided with a series of rams engaging the rack to positively effect the swinging movement of the breech p e- 46. In a breech loading gun the combination with the gun having a rack on its breech, of a conical swinging breech plug provided with means engaging the breech ofthe gun to lock and release the breech plug, and also provided near its rear end with a series of cams engaging the rack to positively govern the swinging movement of the breech plug.

427. In a breech loading gun the combination with. the gun. having a rack on its breech, of'a conical rotary swinging breech plug provided with means engaging the breech of the gun to lock and release the breech plug, and also provided with a flange of enlarged diameter provided with a series of cams engaging the rack to positively effect the swinging movement of the breech plug.

48. Ina breech loadingv gun the combination with the gun, of a conical rotary swinging breech plug provided with means engaging the breech of the gun to lock and re.-

lease the breech plug, said gun breech and plug being also provided with a plurality of cam and pin engagements whereby the swinging movement of the breech plug is positively efi'ected';

49. In a breech loading gun the combination of the gun, of a conical rotary swinging breech plug provided with means engaging the breech of the gun to lock and release the breech plug, said gun breech and plug being also provided with a plurality of cam and pin engagements, whereby the swinging movement of the breech plug is positively effected.

50. In a breech loading gun the combination of the gun,.of a rotary conical swinging breech plug provided with means engaging the breech of the gun to lock and release the breech plug, and also. provided with a flange of enlarged diameter and a plurality of.cam engagements between said flange and gun breech, whereby the swinging movements of the plug is positively effected. V

51. In a breech loading gun the combination of the gun having locking surfaces with a screw-thread pitch formed in its breech, of a rotary swinging breech plug provided. with locking means formed on a screw-thread to engage the locking means in the breech, said plug being also provided with means comprising a cam groove having a pitch greater than the pitchof the locking lugs, and a pin on the breech of the gun for engaging said cam groove to positively effect the swinging movement of the breech plug.

In a breech loading gun the combination of the gun having locking surfaces with a screw-thread pitch formedin its breech, of a rotary swinging breech plug provided with locking means formed on a screwthrcad to engage the locking means in the breech, said gun breech and plug being also provided with means comprising a pin and a' cam, for positively controlling the opening and closing movement of the breech plu In a breech loading gun the combina-- tion with-the gun having locking surfaces with a screw-thread pitch formed in its breech, of a rotary swinging breech plug provided with locking means formed on a screw-thread to engage the locking surface in the breech, and a plurality of pin and cam groove engagements between the gun breech'and plug, one of said engagements corresponding with'the pitch of the locking surfaces, and the other engagement having a greater pitch than the pitch of the locking surfaces, whereby the opening and closing movement of the breech plug is positively effected.

54:. In a breech loading gun the combination of the 'gunhaving locking surfaces with a screw-thread pitch formed in its breech, of a conical rotary swinging breech plug provided with locking means formed on a screw-thread to engage the locking means in the breech, said gun breech and plug being also provided with means comprising a pin and a cam, for positively controlling the o ening and closing movement of the breech Ina breech loading" gunthe combination with the gun having locking surfaces with a screw-thread pitch formed in its breech, of a conical rotary swinging breech plug provided. with locking means formed on a screw-thread to engage the locking surface in the breech, and a plurality of pin and cam groove engagements between the breech and plug, one" of said engagements corresponding with the pitch of the locking surfaces, and the other engagement havinga greater pitchthan the pitch of the locking surfaces, whereby the opening and closing movemeht of the breech plug is positively effected.

56. In a breech loading gun the co1nbina-.

tion with the gun having locking surfaces with a screw-thread pitch formed on its breech, of a conical rotary swinging breech plug provided with locking surfaces formed on a screw-thread to engage the locking surfaces in the breech and also provided with a flange of enlarged diameter, said flange and gun breech having a pin and cam groove engagement, which engagement has. a pitch greater than the pitch of the locking surfaces for positively eifecting the opening and closing movement ofthe breech plug.

57. In a breech loading gun the combination with the gun having locking surfaces with a screw-thread pitch formed in its breech; of'a conical rotary swinging breech plug rovided with locking surfaces engag- 111g t e locking surfaces in the breech, said gun breech and plug having a plurality of cam engagements one of which has a pitch corresponding'with the pitch of the locking surfaces and the other of which has a greater tion of the gun having locking surfaces.

pitch than the pitch of the locking surfaces to positively effect the opening and closing mopement of the breech plug.

58. In a breech loading gun the combina- "1 with a screw-thread pitch formed in its of the gun to positively elfect the opening breech and alsolprovided nearwits rear end 5 breech, of a conical rotary swinging breech plug provided with looking surfaces formed on a screw-thread to engage the locking surfaces in the breech, said gun breech and plug having a plurality of cam groove and pln engagements, one of which has a pitch corresponding with the pitch of the lock-,

ing surfaces and another of which has a greater pitch than the pitch of the locking surfaces, thereby affording a ositive engagement between the plug an the breech and closing movement of the breech plug.

59. In a breech loading gun the combination of a gun having cam locking surfacesformedm its breech, of a conical rotary swingmg breech plug provided with cam lqckingvsurfaces formed on a screw-thread pltch to engage thelocking surfaces in the means cox-uprising a cam engagement with the breech, said engagement having a pitch corresponding with the pitch of the locking surfaces and a second cam engagement of greater pitch than the pitch of the locking surfaces for engaging the breech, of the gun to positively effect the opening and closing movement of the breech plug.

60. In a breech loading gun the combina tionof the gun having cam locking sur faces formed in its breech, of a conical ro tary swinging breech plug provided with locking surfacesformed on a screw-thread pitch to engage the locking surfaces in the breech and also provided with a flange of enlarged diameter provided with means comprising a cam engagement with the breech, said engagement having a pitch ccrresponding with the pitch'of the loching lugs and a plurality of cam engagements with the gun breech having a greater pitch than the pitch of the locking surfaces for engaging the breech of the gun to positively effect the opening and closing movement of the breech plug.

61. In a breech loading gun the combinetion of the gun having cam locking sun faces formed in its breech, of a conical rotary swinging breech plug provided with looking surfaces formed on a screw-thread pitch to engage the locking surfaces in the breech, and also provided with a cam groove plug.

i 62. In a. breech loading gun the combine tion of the gun having cam locking surfaces formed in its breech, of a conical rotar swinging breech plug provided with loo ring surfaces formed on a screw-thread pitch to engage the locking surfaces in the breech and also provided with a flange of enlarged diameter having a cam groove and pin engagement with the gun breech, an V groove having a pitch corresponding with the pitch of the locking surfaces to positively'contro-l the opening and closing movement of the breech block.

63'. In a breech loading gun the combination of the gun having cam locking surfaces formed in its breech, of a conical rotary swinging breech plug provided with looking surfaces formed on a screw-thread pitch to engage the locking surfaces in the breech, and also" provided with means comprising a cam groove and pin engagement with the gun breech, said groove having a pitch corresponding with the pitch of the locking surfaces, said plug also having a series of cam engagements with the n breech of greater pitch than the pitch of swinging movement of the breech plug.

the locking surfaces to positively effect the gee ' tion with 64. In a breech loading gun the combination with the gun, of a carrier having a hinged connection with the gun, a breech plug carried by the carrier and adapted to rotate andto have longitudinal movement therein, provided with means engaging the breech of the gun to lock and release the breech plug, and also provided with means engaging the breech of the gun to positively affect the swinging movement of the carrier carrying the breech plug. v

65. In a breech loading gun the combinathe gun, of a carrier having a hinged connection with the gun, a breech plug carried by the carrier and adapted to rotate and to have longitudinal movement therein, provided with means engaging the and release the breech'of the gun to lock breechuplug, and also provided with a cam engaging the breech of the gun to positively effect the swinging movement of the carrier carrying the breech plug.

66. In abreech loading'gun the combination with the lnged c nnection with the gun, a breech plug carried bythecarrier and adapted to rying rotate and to have longitudinal movement therein, provided with means engaging the breech of the gun to lock and release, the reech plug, and also provided Witha-series of cams engaging the breech'of the gun to positively effect the swinging movement of 67., In a breech loading gun the combina tion with the gun, of, a carrier having a hinged connection with plug carried thereby and having a screw threaded connection therewith to permit the breech plug to rotate and to have longitudinal movement in the carrier, the breech being provided with means engaging the breech of' the gun to lock and release the breech plug, and also provided with means engaging the breech of the gun to positively elfect the swinging movement of the carrier carrying the breech plug.

68. In a breech loading gun the combination with the'gun, of a carrier having a hinged connection with the gun, a breech plug carried thereby and having a screwthreaded connection therewith to permit the breech plug to rotate and to have long-is tudinal'mo'vement in the carrier; the breech plug being provided with looking lugs ormed on a screwthread to engage the breech of the gun, the screw-threads connecting the breech plug and carrier correspond ing inpitch with the screw-thread on which eing also provided with means engaging the. breech of the gun to positively elfect e swinging movement of the carrier car;v the breech plug.

tion the gun, o

breech plug to rotate and to hav gun, of a carrier having a tion of a hinged arm or carrier,

the gun, a breechdo {he locking lugs are formed, the breechv plug n a breech loading gun the combine},

a carrier havingfl-fa" hinged connection with the gun, a breech plug carried thereby and having a screwthreaded connection therewith to permit the e longitudinal movement in the carrier, the breech plug being provided with means engaging the breech of the gun to lock and release the breech plug, and also provided With means comprising a cam groove for' engag ing the breech of the gun to positively control the swinging movement of the carrier carrying the breech plug,

the pitch of the cam groove corresponding with the pitch of the screw connection between the breech plug and the carrier.

70. In a breech loading gun, the combination of a hinged arm or carrier, at breech block rotatably supported by the carrierand coacting with the carrier to constitute a motor to rotate the breech block, and means for supplying motor fluid to themotor.

71. In a breech loading gun, the combination of a hinged arm or carrier, a breech block supported by the carrier and arranged to rotate and to have longitudinal movement in the carrier, and coacting with the carrier to constitute a motor to actuate the breech block, and means for supplying'motor fluid to the motor.

72. In a breech loading gun the combinaa breech block rotatably supported by the carrierand coacting therewith to constitute a rotate the breech block, and means operated by the discharge of the gun for supplying motor fluid to the motor. I

7 3. In a breech loadinggun the combinan tion of a hinged armor carrier, at breech motor to lease it, andmeans for "supplying fluid to" the motor to rotate the breech block first in one direction and subsequently inthe other direction.

74. In a breech loading gun the combina.-. tion of a hinged arm or block rotatably supported by the carrier and coacting'therewith to constitute a motor to rotate the breech block in one direction to.

lock it and in the reverse direction to release it, and means operated bythe discharge'of the gun for supplying ifl'uid. tothe-m'otor to rotate the breech block first in 'one direction and subsequently in the other direction.

T5. In a breech-loading gun-the combina- .tion of a hinged arm or carrier, a breech. block rotatably supported by the carrier and coacting therewith v rotate the breech block, andmeans for s'upply'iug motor fluid to the motor Y a'cy in er, connections between the cylinder to constitute amotor to comprisin and the motor, and a piston in thecylinder to force the motor fluid throughthe motor.

carrier, a breech :m of a hinged arm or. carrier, a breech breech block locks and releases it and swinger: ock rotatably su ported by the carrier and the hinged arm or carrier to and from closed acting therewit 'to constitute a motor to position.

tate the breech block, and means for sup- 80. In a breech loading gun a rotarymo- .ying motor fluid to the motor comprising tor arranged to rotate the breech block, said 40 cylinder, connections between the cylinder 'lnotor being pivotally connected to the 1d motor, and a piston in the cylinder opbreech of the gun, and the'means for sup- ?ated upon the discharge of the ion to plying motor fluid to the motor.

76. In a breech loading gun, the combinaand means whereby the rotation of the 35 )rce the motor fluid through the mo or. v 81. In a breech loading gun provided with av recoil cylinder, 2 breech-mechanism- 45 actuating motor comprising a rotary and a non-rotary member and connections between the recoil cylinder and the motor to supply v the motor fluid from the recoil cylinder to the motor.-

82. In a breech loading gun a breechmechanism-act-uating motor comprising a non-rotary member hinged to the breech of the gun and a rotary member, a breech block carried by the non-rotary member and con- 55 nected-with the rotary member.

'83. In a breech loading gun a breech 77. In a breech loading gun a 'reechiechanism-actua'ting motor comprising a iotor chamber, a rotary member within the hamber, an inlet channel communicating vith the chamber on one side of the rotary member, an outlet channel leading from the hamber on the other side of said rotary member,- and means for forcing fluid hrough the inlet and outlet channels.

78. In a breeech loading gun a breechnechanismactuating -motor comprising a non-rotary member having a chamber formed :herein, a rotary member-provided with aradial wing, an inlet channel leading to the mechanism actuating motor comprising a chamber on one side of the rotary member, an non-rotary member having a chamber outlet channel leading from the chamber on 1 formed therein hinged to the breech of the so the other side of said rotary member, and gun, a rotary member arranged in the chammeans for supplying motor fluid to the her, a breech block carried by the non-rotary chamber. member and means connectingqthe breech T9. In a breech loading gun the combinal block with the rotary member ot'zthe'. motor. tion of a hinged arm or carrier, a, breech SAMUEL N. MOGLEAN.

V itnesses:

J. M. Voowamen, Gnarnn A. POWELL.

block rotatably supported by the hinged arm. or carrier and coacting therewith to constitute a motor to rotate the breech block, 

